Automatic recloser



July 28, 1959 F. L. CAMERON ETAL 2,897,315

AUTOMATIC RECLOSER Filed May 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 28, 1959 F. L. CAMERON ET AL 2,897,315

AUTOMATIC RECLOSER Filed May 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 28, 1959 F. CAMERON ET AL 2,897,315

7 AUTOMATIC RECLOSER Filed May 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet s July 28, 1959 F. L. CAMERON ET AL AUTOMATIC RECLOSER Filed May 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F: i I

United States Patent Ofifice AUTOMATIC RncLosER Frank L. Cameron, Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., and Hamilton Brooks, Bloomington, Ind., assignors to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, EEast Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 29, 1958, Serial No. 738,836

13 Claims. (Cl. 200-89) This invention relates to automatic reclosing circuit breakers, and especially to the type providing automatic lockout after a predetermined number of circuit interruptions.

Automatic reclosing devices generally include a step-bystep counting device which is actuated upon operation of the reclosing circuit interrupter and is normally disposed, by mechanical spring means or gravitational force combined with dashpot means, to reset slowly between such operations so as to count only closely successive operations, such as are caused by a permanent fault, for effect ing lockout of the circuit breaker after a predetermined number of such operations. In dashpot integrators, the integrator immediately begins to move toward reset position each time the breaker is closed, so that the overall integrator reset time must be unduly extended to minimize a pumping effect resulting from repeated fault conditions occurring at time intervals less than the total integrator reset time but greater than the time interval required for the integrator to reset through one count position. Moreover, the reset time for dashpot integrators is not constant but is a function of the number of previous integrations so that the selection of an ideal integrator reset time for the particular circuit conditions will be applicable only to a preselected one of the integrator count positions.

It is an object of this invention to provide in an auto matic recloser circuit breaker an integrator means controlled by the recloser and having a constant reset time.

It is another object of this invention to provide in an automatic recloser an integrator means which may be preset to lockout the recloser only in response to a plurality of closely successive operations of the recloser, or which may be preset to respond to a plurality of successive operations of the recloser regardless of the time interval between operations.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide in an automatic recloser an integrator reset means operated by a closing operation of the recloser and a counting operation of the integrator to effect reset of the integrator after the recloser has been continuously closed for a predetermined time following at least one circuit interruption.

In practicing our invention in accordance with one of its embodiments, separable contacts are connected by means including a shaft so that motion of the shaft is transmitted to a spring-operated opening mechanism by means of a push rod. The operating mechanism is released by a trip member actuated in response to current operated relays connected in series with the contacts. A motor is connected to reclose the contacts and store energy in the opening spring and the circuit to the motor is interrupted by switches actuated by the mechanism, by an integrator after a predetermined number of openings, and by a shunt trip coil. A time delay relay means operated by the closing of the contacts, and by the operation of the integrator responding to an opening operation of the contacts, operates to close its contacts after a predeter- 2,897,315 Patented July 28, 1959 mined time delay to energize an integrator reset coil to return the integrator to the zero count position if no additional circuit interruption occurs to interrupt the timing out of the time delay means. Switch means are provided in series with the time delay contact means to provide for manually opening the reset circuit to prevent operation of the integrator reset coil, if desired, so that the recloser will lockout after a predetermined number of operations regardless of the time intervals between operations.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of our invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description which may be read in conjunction With the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of'the recloser;

Fig. 2 is another sectional view of the recloser;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the control panel shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in section, of the integrator reset means of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the automatic recloser shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 showing the circuit connections of the different elements.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, there is disclosed a polyphase recloser, designated generally by the numeral 10, which is identical in structure and operation to the recloser disclosed in the copending application, Serial No. 606,009 of Alson Robert Harm, et al., filed on August 24, 1956, with the exception of certain additions to be specifically identified in the following description. Accordingly, reference is made to the entire specification of the aforementioned copending application for a detailed disclosure of the nature and operation of the individual parts of this automatic recloser.

For the sake of clarity of understanding, much of the substance of the hereinbefore identified copending application is repeated herein.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, it will be seen that the polyphase recloser 10 comprises a substantially rectangular cover casting 12 having depending side portions 13 about the edge thereof with a flange 14 at the lower edge. Support brackets 11 are provided on the portions 13 at each end. The cover 12 is provided adjacent one edge with pairs of insulating bushings 15 and 16 for each of the three polesthereof. Only one pair of bushings 15 and 16 is shown, it being understood that additional poles and bushings are provided in the polyphase recloser as disclosed in the copending Harm et al. application. Each pair of insulating bushings is arranged transversely of the longitudinal axis of the cover, the pairs being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction to provide insulated entrances for conductors l8 and 19 of each phase through openings 1'7 in the castings. Each of the bushings 16 supports at its lower end an interrupter 20 which is connected by means of a conductor 21 to a series type overcurrent trip element 22 supported at the lower end of the associated insulating bushing 15. The cover casting 12 is provided with a depending longitudinal intermediate wall or rib 23 having a flange 24 along its lower edge cooperative with the flange 14 so as to provide for securing an interrupter tank or casing 25 to the flanges 14 and 24 about the interrupters and overcurrent trip means, so that the interrupters and trip means may be positioned in insulating oil having a level designated by the dot-dash line 27. A partition 26 is provided between the intermediate rib 23 and the side 13 adjacent one end to provide a hooded extension 28 and a flange 29 to permit a separate tank 29' to be secured to the casting 12 adjacent the tank 25 for enclosing an operating mechanism 30 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and time delay means 32 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

In Fig. 1 it will be seen that interrupter 20 includes contacts 51 and a contact rod 48 disengageably associated therewith. The contact rod 48 is connected by means of an insulating link to a lever 66 secured to a shaft 70 rotatably mounted in suitable bearings positioned-in bosses 71 depending from the cover casting. The shaft 70 is provided with a lever 75 which is positioned opposite pocket 31, and connected by means of a longitudinally movable link 76 to an operating lever 78 of the operating mechanism 30. A flexible sleeve 72 is secured at one end to link 76 and at the other end to a bushing 72 in the wall of recess 31 to provide a gastight seal. It is to be understood that each of the additional poles (not shown) has associated therewith an interrupter 20 and accompanying linkage connecting its contact rod 48 to the common shaft 70 so that all phases may be interrupted simultaneously.

The operating mechanism 30 is mounted in a frame 79 which, as shown in Fig. l, is substantially U-shaped, having a base 79' with upstanding sides 80 which are spaced apart and are secured by means of flanges 82 to bosses 83 depending from the cover casting 12.

(Only one side 80, one flange 82 and one boss 83 are shown.) The operating lever 78 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 85 mounted in frame 79, and is biased in a counterclockwise direction by means of a spring 86 mounted on link 76 in connection with the wall of recess 31. The lever 78 is releasably held in the closed position shown, with the spring 86 compressed, by means of a toggle linkage comprising a link 89 connected to lever 78 by a pivot 90, a toggle link 91 pivotally connected to the link 89 by a common pivot 92, and a latch lever 94, which is connected to the toggle link 91 by a pivot -95 and is rotatably mounted on a shaft 97 supported in the frame 79.

The toggle linkage in the position shown has the toggle link 91 resting against a stop 99, with the pivots 92 and 95 in overcenter positions. The pivot 95 is maintained in this position by means of a latch 100 which is pivotally mounted in the frame 79 on a shaft 102, and has a recess 103 which receives a roller 105 on a lower portion of a latch lever 94. The latch 100 is maintained in the position shown, by a toggle linkage comprising a link 107 pivotally connected to the latch at 108, and a link 1110 connected to link 107 by a pivot 111 and rotatably supported in the frame 79 on a fixed pivot 113. A spring 114 connects link and latch 100. A trip lever 115 is rotatably mounted on the pivot 113 having a projection 116 for actuating the common pivot 111 overcenter and laterally projecting pad 117 for operating the lever. An adjustable stop 118 normally engages pad 117 and holds the trip lever 115 in a position with the toggle levers 107 and 110 slightly overcenter.

When trip lever 115 is rotated counterclockwise, projection 116 breaks the toggle arrangement of links 107 and 110, permitting latch 100 to rotate clockwise and release roller 105. Lever 94 rotates counterclockwise and pivot 95 moves farther overcenter, causing pivot 92 to drop undercenter and permit spring 86 to rotate operating lever 78 counterclockwise, moving link 76 to the left so as to rotate shaft 70 counterclockwise to lift contact rods 48, and causing links. 107 and 110 to reset to the frame 79 by means of a bracket 119 and operated from the lever extension 78a by means of a connecting link 123. Auxiliary switch 131 includes contacts 52b (Fig. 5) which are closed only when contacts 51 are open and also includes contacts 52a which are closed only when contacts 51 are closed.

The breaker may also be reclosed automatically by means of a closing link 138 also conected to the common pivot 92 and has a pin 139 at its lower end which is free to move in an arcuate slot 140 in a guide member 142. The closing link 138 is provided with a shoulder 143 disposed to .be engaged by a roller 145 carried by a lever 144 on a shaft 146 rotatably mounted on the sidewall 81 of the mechanism frame. A drum switch comprising a contact segment 147 mounted on shaft 146, and a stationary contact member 148 is utilized as a limit switch in controlling the operation of a motor 150, which is mounted on the bottom of the mechanism frame and connected by means of a worm-gear drive (not shown) for rotating the shaft 146 to effect reclosing.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the overcurrent trip element 22, described in detail in the hereinbefore mentioned copending Harm ,et al. application, has an armature 154 and an operating coil 151 shown schematically in Fig. 5. The armature 154 is connected by means of an operating rod .157 which moves longitudinally in .an opening 158 in flange 24 of web 23, to arm 159, pivotally mounted as by means of a shaft 160 supported from the cover casting 12 by means of a bracket .161 on a panel 162 secured to the cover. The other pole units (not shown) are provided with similar overcurrent trip devices and shafts so that operation of their overcurrent relays are individual to the particular pole units.

The control panel 162 is mounted in the mechanism tank 29', being secured to the cover 12 by means such as brackets :167 to a portion of the central web 23. On this panel are mounted the plurality of time delay means 32 individual to each of the interrupters 20 for controlling the opening thereof. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and as described in detail in the hereinbefore mentioned copending application Harm et al., each of the time delay means 32 may comprise a diaphragm type dashpot and a resilient lost motion connecting device 169 providing a resilient connection between the operating rod 175, which is connected to a crank lever 176 by a pivot 177, and the central boss 168. This provides for resilient lost motion permitting immediate operation of the overcurrent trip relays .22 in the .event of an excessive fault of, for example, about ten times normal current, thus modifying the normal inverse time-current characteristic thereof. Springs 178 are connected between a pin 179 adjustably mounted bymeans of a nut 180 and bracket 181 on panel 162 and tension lever 176 to adjust the current pickup value of the delay means. 7

Operation of the several members 183 toconnectdelay means 32 to provide delayed tripping isprovided by means of a common pivotal delay control member 190, which is pivotally mountedon the panel 160 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and extends longitudinally thereof.

Tripping of the operating mechanism is effected by A means of projecting arms 192 on the operating members a trip extension arm 198 adjacent the operating mechanism .30 which engages the pad 117 when raised, and actuates the trip lever 115 to open the contacts.

Also mounted on the panel 162 is an air dashpot time delay device 200 as shownin Figs. 2 and 3 of substantially the same type as the delay devices 32, the delay movement being provided for operation in the downward direction. This time delay device is operatively connected to an extension'78a of lever 78, a-pin 202, to effect by means of projecting shoulders 192 delayed operation of a microswitch 205 which is mounted on panel 162 by a bracket 205 and -used to set up a reclosing circuit for the closing motor 150.

Aground fault trip 15 196 206 substantially similar to the overcurrent trip device described in detail in Patent No. 2,691,709 which issued on October 12, 1954, to H. J. Lingal et al., but responsive to a lower value of current is mounted on the panel 162 as shown in Fig. 3, having a solenoid actuated trip member 206' for also operating an extension 193 of the common trip bar 196 to effect separation of the contacts in response to a ground fault current. Bushing type current transformers 207 are mounted on the lower ends of the insulating bushings 15 in the interrupter tank 25 for supplying current to the ground fault trip device 206.

In order to provide for locking the recloser open after a predetermined number of closely consecutive openings, an integrator or counter 210 is provided. The integrator, described in detail in the aforementioned copending application, includes a substantially cylindrical body member 211 as shown in Fig. 3 having a bracket 212 by which it is secured to the panel 162. The cylindrical body member 211, described in the copending application as a part of a delay air dashpot, is deactuated as such in this application where it serves merely as a guide for the vertical travel of the integrator counter member 216. The counter member 216 is moved upwardly step-by-step in response to the downward movement of operating links 226 which are connected to arms 228 projecting laterally from the extension 78a of mechanism operating lever 78 as shown in Fig. 3.

At the lower end of the counter member 216 is an integrator return or reset mechanism 255 mounted on auxiliary panel 256. The auxiliary panel 256 is attached to control panel 162 by any suitable means such as screws or bolts. A slow to operate relay means 257 having normally open contacts and having a predetermined time delay period, such as two minutes, is attached to auxiliary panel 256 by suitable brackets and arranged so as to be readily connected to energize the integrator return means 255. A limit switch 258 is also attached to panel 256 by suitable bracket means and includes a switch operating arm 259 to be operated by contact with integrator rod 216. A terminal block 270 may be provided for convenience in electrically connecting the time delay means 257 and the limit switch 258 to other devices in a manner shown schematically in Fig. 5. When the integrator rod 216 is in its lowest position representing a zero count, extension rod 216 is adapted to engage switch operating arm 259 to interrupt the energizing circuit for time delay means 257 in a manner to be hereinafter described in detail. The electrical connections among the elements hereinbefore described have been omitted from Figs. 1, 2 and 3 to avoid confusion in the drawing.

Referring now to Fig. 4 it will be seen that the integrator return means 255 is comprised of a magnetic plunger 260 attached to integrator bar 216 by a screw 265, spacer 266, and length adjusting means 267. The plunger 260 is drawn downwardly into cavity 261 upon energization of electromagnetic coil 262. A friction drag cap 263, comprised of a suitable friction material such as leather, is fixed by suitable screw means to the narrowed end of plunger 260 so that the rim of the cap abuts shoulder 264 on plunger 260. The thickness of the friction cap is greater than the width of shoulder 264 so that the body of the cap extends outwardly of the plunger 260 to frictionally engage the walls of nonferrous sleeve 269. The purpose of this frictional device is twofold in that it inhibits override of plunger 260 each time it is moved upwardly step-by-step by operation of the interrupter mechanism, and it maintains the integrator bar 216 in fixed position from one operation of the counter to the next operation or until the return coil 262 is energized. The cup-like construction of cap 263 and the arrangement thereof with respect to the plunger 260 so that its rim is away from the downward or reset direction of the plunger 260 provides a relatively large friction force for preventing override of the integrator bar in an upward direction and at the same time provides a relatively small friction force in the downward direction, to permit a more rapid return of the plunger 260 to its reset position in response to energization of coil 262.

Near the lower end of counter member 216 is a lateral projection 230 which is disposed to be engaged by a projection 229 of a lever 227 pivotally connected at 231 to a link 232 connected to the shunt trip lever 124 by a pivot 235. The lever 227 is pivotally mounted on panel 162 by means of a bracket 233, as shown in Fig. 3. In the event that the trip lever 124 is moved in a counterclockwise direction by the shunt trip solenoid 120, the link 227 will be raised by the auxiliary trip lever 124 to advance the counter member 216 immediately to the lockout position. In this lockout position a microswitch 240, which is positioned to be engaged by the projection 230 after, for example, four closely successive opening operations of the recloser, or interrupts the operating circuit for the closing motor 150 to prevent reclosing, and thus locks the recloser open.

The counter member 216 has thereon an adjustably positioned cam member 243. The cam member 243 cugages and positions a cam lever portion of the control member 190 which is pivotally mounted on the panel 162, which as shown in Fig. 3 actuates the time delay control members 193 to disconnect the delay devices 32 and render them normally ineffective on the first one or two opening operations.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the recloser 10 is disposed to interrupt the circuit between conductors 18 and 19 of a three-phase circuit, the separable contacts being in this instance represented by the bridging type contact 10a in each instance. The trip relays 22 are shown with their trip coils 151 connected in circuit with the conductors 18 for operating armatures 149 which are operatively connected by means of dotted lines to actuate the common trip bar 196 through time delay devices 32, which have operating members 183 for disconnecting the delay means to obtain substantially instantaneous action, with the lever 190 for operating them actuated by cam 243 to the initial position as shown. Current transformers 207 are connected in parallel circuit relation to the trip coil 142 of the ground fault trip relay 206 for also operating the trip bar 196.

Operation of the trip bar 196 actuates trip lever 115, which breaks the toggle arrangement of lovers 107 and and disengages latch 100, to permit collapse of toggle levers 91 and 94 to the right, and hence permit toggle link pivot 92 to pass undercenter and provide for pivotal movement of operating lever 78 by its opening spring 86, which is compressed in the closed condition of the recloser. Operation of lever 78 actuates pawl 225 to advance the counter member 216 each time the breaker opens. When the counter member advances to the first step from zero, limit switch 258 closes to preset an obvious energizing circuit for time delay relay 257. A predetermined time after the breaker opens, a circuit is provided for the closing motor 150 through the lockout switch 240, which is normally closed, the time delayed reclosing switch 205, which is operated by the mechanism lever 78, and limit switch 149, which is actuated by motor 150.

Energization of the closing motor 150 from a source such as a control transformer 250 effects rotation of shaft 146 and causes roller to engage closing link 136 and return the common pivot 92 of toggle links 89 and 91 to the overcenter position shown, thus causing rotation of the closing lever 78 in a direction to close the contacts. Shortly after the operating mechanism begins to move, the reset switch 205 opens and drum limit switch 148 closes to maintain the energizing circuit until the recloser is reclosed. The reclosing operation recloses contacts 52a of limit switch 131 to complete an energizing circuit for time delay relay 257 through limit switch 258 and closed knife switch 268. If the fault was only temporary so that the recloser is not. operated for a prescribed time delay, two minutes, for example, the time delay relay 257 operates to close its contacts which serve to complete a circuit to energize reset coil 262 of the integrator reset means 255, causing the integrator to be immediately returned to the normal zero count position. The resetting action opens contacts 258 to deenergize the time delay relay 257. If the fault should be permanent so that the integrator continues to be advanced due to successive tripping operations, the reopening action of contacts 52a each time the contacts 19a open serves to interrupt the time delay relay energization circuit to prevent its timing out, so that after a predetermined number of such operations, the counter member 216 operates the limit switch 240 to interrupt the energizing circuit for the motor 150 and thus provide for locking the counter in the open position. Reclosing may then be effected by means of a control switch 252 which parallels and bypasses the lookout switch 240. Since the pawl 225 holds the counter member 216 advanced, when the recloser is locked open, only a single operation is initially required to again lock the recloser open when it is reclosed following lockout. If an operation does not occur within the predetermined time delay period following the 'recloser after lockout, the integrator is reset in the manner hereinbefore described.

If desired, the time delay relay 2.57 may be rendered ineffective by opening toggle switch 268 which serves to interrupt the energization circuit for the time delay relay 257. When the toggle switch 268 is open, the integrator will always lockout after a predetermined number of recloser operationsregardless of the time intervals between operations. The application of such a positive lockout feature would be useful in the event of a fault which repeatedly occurs at relatively widely separated intervals such as might be caused by a tree limb repeatedly shorting the line, In the absence of positive lockout means of the type just described, a fault of this type might result in numerous operations of the recloser-without the device ever being locked open.

From the above description and the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that there is provided. an automatic recloser having an integrator which may be preset by switch means to provide lockout in response to a plurality of closely successive operations of the recloser, or which may be preset to provide lockout after a plurality of operations regardless of the time interval between operations as desired. The integrator includes a coil reset means to provide rapid reset and also includes time delay means responsive to the closing of the recloser and the operation of the integrator to provide a constant reset time after the last reclosing before lockout. The use of friction drag means on the integrator bar maintains the integrator in a fixed position between operations of the recloser to prevent a pumping action.

Inasmuch as certain changesmay be made in the above described construction and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all the above descriptive matter, including the drawings, shall be considered as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means, means operable to reset the counting means only when no additional separation occurs within a predetermined time after reclosing of the contacts following a separation, and means operated by the counting means to render the closing means ineffective after a predetermined count of successive separations each following 8 the reclosing operation of the previous separation in less time than said predetermined time.

2. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means, means for resetting the counting means, time delay means responsive to an uninterrupted reclosed condition of the contacts for a predetermined time after a closing operation to actuate the reset means to return the counter to the zero count position, and means operated by the counting means to render the closing means ineffective after a predetermined number of successive operations Without operation of the reset means.

3. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means, means for resetting the counting means, time delay means responsive to at least one counting operation of the counting means and an uninterrupted reclosed condition of the contacts for a predetermined time after a closing operation to actuate the reset means to return the counter to the zero count position, and means operated by the counting means to render the closing means ineffective after a predetermined number of successive operations without operation of the reset means.

4. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means including a member having a different position for each count including the zero count and actuated by the operating means, means for resetting the counter, time delay means having normally open contacts, circuit means for energizing said time delay means and including contacts operated in response to reclosing of the separable contacts, and circuit means for energizing said resetting means and including said normally open contacts.

5. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means, means operable to reset the counting means only when no additional separation occurs within a predetermined time after reclosing of the contacts following a separation, means rendering the closing means ineffective in response to a predetermined number of operations of the counting means without intervening reset of the integrator, and means for rendering the reset means ineffective.

6. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means and including means movable to a different position for each successive operation of the operating means, friction means for inhibiting movement of the movable means between operations of the operating means, means for resetting the counting means in response to the lack of an additional operation within a predetermined time after one operation or after a plurality of operations each following the reclosing of the preceding operation in a time less than said predetermined time, and means operated by movement of themovable means through all of its different positions to render the closing means ineffective.

7. In a circuit interrupter having separable contacts and having means for automatically separating said contacts in response to predetermined circuit conditions and for automatically closing said contacts following a circuit interruption operation, the combination of means for preventing automatic reclosing of said contacts, integrating means adapted to be advanced a predetermined amount in response to each circuit interruption operation and when advanced a predetermined total amount by a predetermined number of a plurality of successive circuit interrupting operations being operable to actuate said recloser preventing means, means inhibiting a change in the advancement of the integrator between successive circuit interruption operations, electroresponsive means for resetting the integrator, reset control means responsive to a sustained closed condition of the contacts for a predetermined time after a reclosing operation to actuate the resetting means, and means actuated by a resetting operation of the integrator means for deactuating the control means so long as the integrator remains in the reset condition.

8. In a circuit interrupter having separable main contacts and having means for automatically separating said contacts in response to predetermined circuit conditions and for automatically closing said contacts following a circuit interruption operation, the combination of means for preventing automatic reclosing of said contacts, integrating means adapted to be advanced a predetermined amount in response to each circuit interruption operation and when advanced a predetermined total amount by a predetermined number of a plurality of successive circuit interrupting operations being operable to actuate said recloser preventing means, electroresponsive means for resetting the integrator, circuit means including normally open contacts for energizing the resetting means, means for providing time delay closing of said normally open contacts and being responsive to a sustained closed condition of the main contacts for a predetermined time after a reclosing operation.

9. In a circuit interrupter having separable main contacts and having means for automatically separating said contacts in response to predetermined circuit conditions and for automatically closing said contacts following a circuit interruption operation the combination of means for preventing reclosing of said contacts, counting means having a no-count position and adapted to be advanced a predetermined amount in response to each circuit interruption operation and when advanced a predetermined total amount by a predetermined number of a plurality of successive circuit interrupting operations being operable to actuate said recloser preventing means, additional contacts adapted to be open only when the counter is in the no-count position, further contacts adapted to open in response to a circuit interruption and close in response to a reclosing operation, electroresponsive means for resetting the counter, circuit means for energizing the resetting means and including normally open contacts, means for providing time delay closing of said normally open contacts, and circuit means for energizing said time delay means and including said additional contacts and said further contacts.

10. In a circuit interrupter having separable main contacts and having means for automatically separating said contacts in response to predetermined circuit conditions and for automatically closing said contacts following a circuit interruption operation, the combination of means for preventing reclosing of said contacts, counting means having a no-count position and adapted to be advanced a predetermined amount in response to each circuit interruption operation and when advanced a predetermined total amount by a predetermined number of a plurality of successive circuit interrupting operations being operable to actuate said recloser preventing means, additional contacts adapted to be open only when the counter is in the no-count position, further contacts adapted to open in response to a circuit interruption and close in response to a reclosing operation, electroresponsive means for resetting the counter, circuit means for energizing the resetting means and including normally open contacts, means for providing time delay closing of said normally open contacts, circuit means for energizing said time delay means and including said additional contacts and said further contacts, and manually operative means for rendering said reset means ineffective.

11. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means, electroresponsive means operable to automatically reset the counting means only when no additional separation occurs within a predetermined time after reclosing of the contacts following a separation, and means operated by the counting means to render the closing means ineffective after a predetermined count of successive separations each following the reclosing operation of the pre vious separation in less time than said predetermined time.

12. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, mechanical counting means including a member having a different position for eadh count including the zero count and actuated by the operating means, electroresponsive means for resetting the counter including a coil and a plunger attached to said member for resetting the member upon energization of the coil, time delay means having normally open contacts, circuit means for energizing said time delay means and including contacts operated in response to reclosing of the separable contacts, and circuit means for energizing the coil of said resetting means and including said normally open contacts.

13. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts, an operating mechanism for said contacts, electroresponsive means operable to actuate said mechanism to effect separation of said contacts, means responsive to separation of said contacts to actuate the operating means to close the contacts, counting means actuated by the operating means and including means movable to a different position for each successive operation of the operating means, friction means for inhibiting movement of the movable means between operations of the operating means, electroresponsive means for resetting the movable means of the counting means in response to the lack of an additional operation within a predetermined time after one operation or after a plurality of operations each following the reclosing of the preceding operation in a time less than said predetermined time, said electroresponsive means including a coil and a plunger attached to said movable member to reset the movable member upon energization of the coil, and means operated by movement of the movable means through all of its different positions to render the closing means ineffective.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,411,366 Chubbllck Nov. 19, 1946 2,567,411 Van Ryan Sept. 11, 1951 2,692,313 Wallace et al. Oct. 19, 1954 2,748,221 Edwards et al. May 29, 1956 

